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Lee Kang-In (23, Paris Saint-Germain) wins PSG's Goal of the Month for March with a stunning left-footed curler. He's not stopping there, though, as he's also in the running for Ligue 1 Goal of the Month.

"Lee Kang-In's goal against Montpellier has been named Goal of the Month!" PSG announced on the club's social media on March 5.

PSG defeated Montpellier 6-2 in the 26th round of the 2023-2024 French Ligue 1 at the Stade de la Muson in Montpellier, France, on March 18, breaking a three-game winless streak in the league and picking up their first three points in a long time. At the same time, they remained unbeaten in 21 matches (15 wins, 6 draws) and remained at the top of the league with 59 points.

Lee Kang-in started the game and helped to secure the victory, moving diligently between the flanks and the center of the field from his right midfield role and making his presence felt in the midfield with his sharp passing and breakaway pressures. 안전놀이터 In the 22nd minute, he played a key role in Kylian Mbappe's goal with a good turn and change of direction pass.

He even found the back of the net himself. Eight minutes into the second half, with PSG leading 3-2, Lee played a one-two with Kolo Moani and outmuscled his defender before unleashing a stunning left-footed curling shot that split the net.

It was Lee's second goal of the league and fourth of the season. He was once again on target against Montpellier, the same team he scored on his league debut last November, and has established himself as a new killer. "A beautiful goal by Lee Kang-in," Ligue 1 exclaimed.

After scoring, Lee immediately ran into Mbappe's arms and hugged him. He pointed his finger at Mbappe in celebration and jumped on top of the waiting Mbappe, who pumped his fists in the air and roared. Luis Enrique, the head coach, celebrated with an uppercut.

Lee's decisiveness shone through. At the time of the goal, the expected goal (xG) value was only 0.07. It was a difficult chance that would have been seven out of 100 kicks, but his shot was quick and accurate, finding the corner of the net.

After the game, Mbappe tagged Lee on social media. "My son (Hijo)," he wrote on a photo of him just before giving him a hug. Given the age difference between Mbappe, who was born in 1998, and Lee, who was born in 2001, it seems to mean something along the lines of "my baby. Mbappe followed up with a kiss and a heart emoji.

Lee Kang-in shared the post, calling him "the best in the world." He also congratulated Mbappe on his hat trick with an exploding emoji, three balls, and a heart. It was a heartwarming exchange.

French publication Foot Mercato also applauded Lee. "(Lee) was a brilliant inspiration for Mbappe's first goal, leading PSG's attack often in the early stages of the game. However, he disappeared for a while and then reappeared after the start of the second half."

"After exchanging balls with Kolo Moani, Lee scored his second Ligue 2 goal with a remote-guided missile into the net. He was the one who dictated the rhythm of the game in the second half, and although at times he was a little too indifferent with certain passes, he once again showed his ability to possess the ball well."

Lee's goal was also voted PSG's best goal of March. In a fan vote on social media, he beat out Vitinha, Mbappe (against Montpellier) and Gonzalo Hamus (against Marseille) to win the goal of the month with 53.2% of the vote.

Lee didn't stop there, though, as he also took aim at the Ligue 1 Goal of the Month. Ligue 1 announced on Friday that five goals have been nominated for the award, including Lee's goal against Montpellier, as well as goals by Mbappe, Junya Ito (Reims), Jonathan Klose (Marseille), and Elie Wahi (Reims). If Lee wins the award, he will become the second Ligue 1 Goal of the Month after last November, when he sacrificed Montpellier.

Meanwhile, Lee is facing criticism over whether he deserves to be in the starting lineup. "What does Marco Asensio lack compared to Lee Kang-in? What has Lee Kang-in done to deserve a starting spot?" asked French journalist Daniel Riolo of RMC Sport after watching the Stade Rennes-Coupe de France semifinal, "At the beginning of the season, Lee Kang-in's dynamism and determination were attractive. But after a while, you think, 'Well, he's going to be good,' and he is. But in reality, he doesn't do anything, Lee Kang-in!" he argued.

Le Parisien, Foot Mercato, and Maxi Foot also gave Lee a rating of 5, the lowest on the team. Mostly, they criticized him for being too passive in attack. PSG will now face Clermont in the league before hosting Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarterfinals in midweek. It will be interesting to see if Luis Enrique will opt for Lee once again.